The Chicago Bulls currently rank second in the Eastern Conference standings as they stand a half game back from the top-seeded Miami Heat. The team has posted just a 4-6 record in the last 10 games and could use another aggressive move at the NBA trade deadline as they did midseason in 2020-21.
When identifying the top three trade deadline targets for each team around the NBA, Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz labeled LA Clippers forward Nicolas Batum as a ‘sneaky’ target. He is averaging 25.2 minutes, 9.1 points (49.3% FG, 41.2% 3P), 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 31 appearances this season.
“Batum also fills the gaps as a multi-positional defender who does a little bit of everything and can thrive playing next to stars. He’s also the best three-point shooter of the trio here (40.6 percent) and makes just $3.2 million,” Swartz wrote.
There’s a lot to like about the idea of the Bulls acquiring Batum in a trade. He has been one of the NBA’s most efficient players within the half-court—providing elite spot-up, cutting, and thriving results out of DHOs and and as a roll man out of ball screen situations. He’d immediately fill the four spot the Bulls have a hole with the injury to Patrick Williams.
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A key element to this scenario is that Batum showed with the Clippers in last year’s playoffs that he can fill a pivotal complementary role as a small ball center option. His catch-and-shoot ability, secondary playmaking, and general defensive versatility make him ideal for such a role.
Many seem to forget the Nicolas Batum has a 7-foot wingspan in addition to standing at 6-foot-8. He has the necessary tools to wreak havoc in the passing lanes and to swarm the opposing teams initiator when the defense opts to blitz the ball. Once Lonzo Ball is back, a lineup with Batum at the five could switch everything, too.
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Overall, it would be a wise idea for the Bulls to have a significantly contrasting option to deploy as a small ball center to give a different look from Nikola Vucevic. The lack of rim protection and quickness on defense from Vucevic can be a real issue against an elite downhill threat likes Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The Chicago Bulls have cooled off a bit after their hot start to the 2021-22 season, but still remain in the mix in the loaded Eastern Conference landscape. Adding that missing piece could be a pivotal element to them taking the next step in terms of playoff-readiness.